ABSTRACT
Arm loss is generally considered to result from sublethal predation (Emson and Wilkie 1980). This is primarily based on analysis of gut contents of fish. Physical factors may be responsible in some high energy shallow-water habitats or those with pebbles or stones (e.g. Woodley et al. 1981, Alva and Jangoux 1990, Makra and Keegan 1999). Retreat and withdrawal of arms by crinoids (Meyer 1973) suggest potential damage by physical factors. Ameziane and Roux (1997) implied tropical storms and hurricanes cause arm loss in crinoids. Mladenov (1983) discounted possible arm loss by the crinoid Florometra serratissima from water movement because of its depth of occurrence.
